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Metadata

ID:
2025-05-21-gary-stef-baduria-discussion
Participants:

Gary Sheng & Stef Baduria Discussion - May 21, 2025

Participants​

  • Gary Sheng
  • Stefanie Baduria (Head of K-8, Alpha Schools)

Summary​

This conversation between Gary Sheng and Stef Baduria focused on several strategic opportunities for Alpha Schools, particularly the potential integration of Two-Hour Learning into Jewish schools (yeshivas) in New York City that are facing regulatory challenges. They also discussed introducing key contacts, upcoming meetings, and organizational priorities.

Key Topics Discussed​

NYC Jewish Schools Opportunity​

Gary briefed Stef on a significant opportunity in New York City:

  • Yeshivas (private Jewish schools) in NYC are facing regulatory challenges for not meeting academic standards
  • The schools focus heavily on religious instruction (Torah) but struggle with meeting common core curriculum requirements
  • Gary sees this as an opportunity to integrate Two-Hour Learning to help these schools maintain compliance while preserving their religious focus
  • A well-connected contact in the Jewish community with government contract expertise is raising awareness about the situation
  • Potential for "a million new Jewish students" if successful
  • Gary noted: "If it works out in saving these, like, threatened students, then, like, we'll just deploy HR [Two-Hour] learning into every different school in the city."
  • This could open a "pipeline of goodwill in Northeastern" for Alpha Schools

Gary was seeking guidance from Stef on:

  • The process for integrating Two-Hour Learning into existing schools
  • What materials he could send to interested parties
  • Whether someone from her team should join him for in-person meetings in NYC the following week
  • Stef appears to have recommended a specific contact (likely Dave Patine based on context) who would be the appropriate person to handle this opportunity

Important Strategic Contact for Science & Technology​

Gary discussed introducing Stef to one of his important mentors:

  • Described as someone who would "totally allow for the alpha ecosystem to be the leading science and technology in K through 114"
  • Impressive credentials including:
    • "Written a book on every periodic table element"
    • "Written books on software"
    • "Literally built Shenzhen from the fishing village to Shenzhen, which is 18 million people"
    • Connected enough that "Americans, even during the Cold War... [visited him]"
  • The contact is enthusiastic about Alpha Schools after Gary's explanations
  • Planning to bring technology demonstrations, books, and graphic design materials to show
  • Gary is trying to arrange a meeting on the following Monday
  • Gary mentioned this person (referred to as "Lyle Alexander, this guy I mentioned just now, the Shenzhen guy") as one of his top priorities for new school initiatives

Other Business Discussions​

Several other topics were briefly touched upon:

  • Gary mentioned finding a parent with two children interested in an Alpha school organized by "a wealthy real estate guy"
  • Discussion about a group of real estate professionals dissatisfied with existing educational options for their children
  • Brief organizational discussion about personnel, with Gary asking about a specific hire's qualifications and value
  • Gary mentioned connecting with McKenzie for 45 minutes the previous day, discussing marketing frustrations and talent recruitment
  • Plans for breakfast with McKenzie on Friday to discuss how Gary "wants us to be back on everything"

Gary's Current Priorities​

Gary summarized his current top priorities:

  1. "Filling logistics tools that are being taken" (tied for first priority)
  2. Getting his mentor ("Lyle Alexander, this Shenzhen guy") integrated into the Alpha ecosystem
  3. "Seizing on this like existential need from the Jewish community in New York City," which would benefit both new opportunities and existing Phi Di campus

Key Insights​

  • Alpha Schools is actively exploring opportunities to integrate Two-Hour Learning into existing schools facing regulatory challenges
  • Gary is leveraging his network to identify new opportunities and bring valuable contacts into the Alpha ecosystem
  • The NYC Jewish schools opportunity represents a strategic entry point into the Northeast market
  • Gary is prioritizing both tactical needs (logistics tools) and strategic partnerships (science/technology mentor, NYC schools)
  • Gary appears to be taking an active role in marketing and talent recruitment

Next Steps​

  1. Connect with the appropriate Alpha team member (likely Dave Patine) about the NYC Jewish schools opportunity
  2. Arrange meeting between Stef and Gary's mentor (the Shenzhen technology expert)
  3. Follow up with real estate contacts interested in Alpha school options
  4. Gary's meeting with McKenzie on Friday to discuss marketing and talent
  5. Continue focusing on the three priority areas Gary identified